Bevin "cuts the red tape" to reduce unnecessary regulations across the state

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - In an effort to create a more efficient operation in Frankfort, Governor Matt Bevin has announced a plan that he says will save hundreds of thousands of dollars during the next three years.

During a press conference at Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville, Bevin explained his “Cut the Red Tape” initiative.

Bevin’s consolidation efforts begin with the building industry, including an initiative to reduce what he considers unnecessary regulations across the Bluegrass. The purpose is to find efficiencies, according to Bevin. "To find simpler ways to get things done," he said.

Bevin calls it common sense. He believes a lot of the current boards, councils and committees are redundant.

"We want safety, we want security," Bevin said. "We want the health and longevity of all involved with the building trades and others, but there sometimes is overkill," he explained.

Instead, Bevin announced a new commission called the Housing, Building and Construction Advising Committee. This will be a one-stop-shop for all builders and contractors to receive approval while in the building process.

The commission will be a consolidation of eight other committees, including Electrical Advisory Committee, Elevator Advisory Committee, State Plumbing Code Committee, Kentucky Single Family Dwellings Advisory Committee, Manufacturing Home Certification and Licensure Board, Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules, Kentucky Board of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioner Contractors and Kentucky Board of Housing, Building and Construction.

"We want people to certify and bless off on all the above, but the idea that you have to run in eight different directions to get information and timing coordinating in all different entities seems not to be of the highest of common sense," Bevin said.

The commission will include 14 appointed citizens, along with the State Fire Marshal, Commissioner of Housing and Building and Director of Plan Review at HVC.

The bipartisan commission took effect November 28.

Bevin also released plans to allow builders to submit plans electronically, saving builders nearly $50,000 annually and saving the state about $150,000 each year in postage.

This is the first of many consolidations to come, according to Bevin.

He encourages Kentuckians to submit ideas about how to help reduce regulations across the state. To share ideas about where and how to "cut the red tape", ideas can be submitted at redtapereduction.com.